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In
the spring of 1998 a group of local artists, with a deep breath
and a leap of faith, decided that art education, based in Dawson
City, was an idea whose time had come.
They
formed the Dawson City Arts Society (DCAS), a non-profit organization,
with a mandate to create an environment for advancement of the arts.
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A show in the Odd Gallery
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To
fulfill their mandate, DCAS' founding Directors envisioned a school
called the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC).
KIAC is to be a campus-based centre offering a broad
range of high quality Community, Continuing Education and Professional
Development programs.
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Students at work
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In
the autumn of 1998, DCAS obtained the historic Odd Fellows Hall
in Dawson City.
With
generous assistance from Governments, NGOs and the private sector
(and countless hours of enthusiastic volunteer participation) major
renovations were undertaken and the neglected structure was successfully
resurrected.
In
December 1999, KIAC proudly commenced operations.
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The
whole community celebrated our milestone accomplishment
by welcoming the new millennium in our turn-of-the-century styled
ballroom, at the first annual New Year's Eve "Odd Ball".
It was "40 below" outside!
In
March 2000 Canada's Governor General attended the inaugural show
at our Odd Gallery opening. In April
2000, we launched our 1st annual
International Short Film Festival.
KIAC has 5 full time staff, a national network of instructors and
a talented local volunteer base. In its first year KIAC conducted
more than 30 visual, performing and literary arts courses and workshops
for more than 300 students and presented more than 20 special events
to a regional audience.
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Detail of chandelier made at "found object" blacksmithing
workshop
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Why
would an aspiring artist (like you) come to a place like this?
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Klondike Gold Rush buildings in "downtown" Dawson
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Canada's
Yukon Territory has perhaps the highest per-capita population of
artists, at every level in every discipline, in the country. Many
came for two weeks - twenty years ago.
Set
against a dramatic backdrop of northern wilderness with a rich First
Nation tradition, Dawson City is built on a foundation of cultural
diversity and grand ideas.
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Why
does the annual Dawson City Music Festival (24 years young in 2001)
have an international reputation as a fantastic experience in an
unforgettable place?
Why is it often said by writers-in-residence completing their Pierre
Berton House residency program: "I won't leave unless I can
come back"?
Why
do the simple and timeless truths told by Robert Service and Jack
London still resonate worldwide in this day and age?
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Aurora Borealis
"Sra Yukà" in Hän language
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There
is something special about this land.
It can change you forever.
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